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Der Unsterbliche Geist (The Immortal Spirit) is the fifth album by the Ukrainian band Bergrizen and was released on 1st November by Purity Through Fire. A new offering that does not disappoint those who already know the work of this solo project and for sure will drag many new possible fans of the genre. Myrd'raal is the master behind Bergrizen and in this work responsible for the poetry, vocals and also keyboards in the last track "Tel'aran'rhiod", the rest was played by guest musicians, Aldor (guitars), R. (drums), Noxius (bass), Ginnungagaldr (vocals) and Olgerd (keys). For you who supports the scene and collect gems of atmospheric black metal, Purity Through Fire released this new album in addition to the CD version in a Wooden Box Edition on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the band, which contains all previous albums on vinyl.

The album unfolds in six tracks and 40 minutes playing time, where you will find a captivating dynamics, the production of this album is certainly superior to its predecessor and musically Bergrizen are punchier than ever, bringing forth an intense and melancholic atmosphere with desperate vocals similar to Burzum. The speedy and rhythmic mid-tempo drums and rhythms throughout the album, with sharp and noisy guitars, short epic black metal progression here and there, and yet much more.

Definitely an album for reflection due to the length of the tracks. The first track begins with a sweet ambient immersed in a classical piano. Flavoured with juicy acoustic guitar, transgressing into a haunted dark ambient motive, which is a gate between the other tracks. Again without being a literal copy, but for sure Bergrizen is inspired by Burzum and Lustre. All the tracks are full of melancholy and depressive atmosphere, the support of the choir and strings is not that epic as it could be but permeates the whole album.

"Lied der Rache" or "Ankunft der Winterdämmerung II" are two of the best songs in here, showing me the full potential of Bergrizen. "Tel'aran'rhiod" is a pure instrumental piece that nicely sets the finale to an album that leaves little to be questioned from both, a blissfully and an atmospheric orientation. For me Der Unsterbliche Geist is another good black metal release of 2017 and Bergrizen have shown a significant artistical growth with this album.

I am very pleased and why not say also happy at the end of a year which was from my perspective in many ways so troubled and miserable I'm very happy to be able to listen to works of such beauty released in this final months of 2017. Bergrizen offered me definitely one of these works. Desperate, revering legends of black metal, but without being a mere dull copy. The dark ambient atmosphere appeals to me a lot. No one can regret having a work so well orchestrated by a genius and his collaborators.

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